Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009

Today in the News Media

Today in the News Media is a synopsis of some of the most prominent coverage of OSU people and programs. Inclusion of any item constitutes neither an endorsement nor a critique, but rather is intended only to make the OSU community aware of significant items in the media.

Oregon State University hall’s renovation is LEED gold (Daily Journal of Commerce)
The $12 million renovation of Oregon State University’s 30,000-square-foot Apperson Hall, now known as Kearney Hall, was certified LEED gold by the U.S. Green Building Council. (See also KEZI)Environmental justice talk set at Oregon State (Democrat Herald)
Vandana Shiva, a physicist, feminist, philosopher of science, writer, and science policy advocate, will speak at Oregon State University on Friday, Oct. 23, at the LaSells Stewart Center.

OSU ag dean visits research center (East Oregonian)
Phil Hamm spent most of early Tuesday morning bragging on the staff and facilities at the Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center. He took the opportunity to do a little begging, too, when Sonny Ramaswamy, dean of the Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences, came to call.

City Club to learn of lawmakers’ hits, misses (Gazette-Times)
Who were the winners and losers in Oregon’s 2009 legislative session? That’s the question that the next meeting of the Corvallis City Club will ponder, with the help of Bill Lunch, the head of Oregon State University’s political science department.

Grant to Aid in Snow Leopards’ Survival (Cat Channel)
A team from Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Veterinary Medicine recently received a grant of $100,000 to improve the breeding programs of captive endangered species – specifically, the snow leopard. Project partners include Todd Mockler from Oregon State University.
Agronomy, crop and soil science societies to present scholarships in Pittsburgh (Phys.org)
AnnaRose Adams is a junior at Oregon State University pursuing an honors double degree in bio-resource research, focusing on water sciences; and soil science, concentrating in soil ecology, is receiving a Soil Science Society of America Scholarship.

Today

The Department of Botany and Plant Pathology is celebrating “100 Years of Inquiry” with a symposium featuring four notable speakers, including James Carrington, recently elected to the National Academy of Sciences, and the Bonnie C. Templeton Lecture. Everyone is welcome. It takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., ALS 4001.
For more information see http://www.science.oregonstate.edu/bpp/100birthday_symposium.htm

The OSU Study Abroad Fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the MU Ballroom. It is a chance for students and the campus community to learn more about study abroad, international internships, and the International Degree. For more information see http://oregonstate.edu/international/studyabroad

Imagine a 225-mile journey from Jacksonville to Corvallis on foot, on horseback, and in a Conestoga wagon. Hear the story of how the Jackson County 4-H Empirebuilders Club made this 13-day trek in observance of Oregon’s Centennial in 1959. Glenn Klein, Jackson County 4-H Agent and chief organizer of this event, will talk about his adventures “on the road” and show film footage and a slide show of images from the trek. It takes place from noon to 1 p.m. in the Willamette Room. For more information see http://osulibrary.oregonstate.edu/archives/archive/2009OregonArchivesMonthEvents.html

Oregon State University’s Music à la Carte concert series, now in its 40th year, continues with solo acoustic guitarist James Falkner. The free concert begins at noon in the Memorial Union Lounge on the OSU campus.

Triad is powered by orange! OSU’s faculty lunch club is open to all tenure track and professional faculty and meets on Thursdays at noon in room 109 of the MU. Be our guest today and hear what Megan McClelland has learned about getting our youngest ready for school. Call Nick Houtman, 541-737-0783, to reserve a seat. A complete fall program is at http://oregonstate.edu/groups/triad/schedule.html

The Faculty Senate agenda can be viewed online at http://oregonstate.edu/senate/agen/2009/10.html. Please note that the meeting will begin at 3 p.m. in the OSU Theatre (Withycombe Hall). President Ray will present his State of the University Address, titled “Setting Our Course,” as well as talk about the attributes we should attain by 2025 to be on track to be a top ten land-grant university, review where we stand today, and indicate specific investments, strategies, and changes we must make now to continue in that direction. Additional agenda items include: a proposed Bylaws Revision, H1N1 Planning and PEBB-Open Enrollment. The meeting will be taped for later viewing on-line. This meeting is open to the public.

The Women’s Center is holding an Open House today from 3 to 5:30 p.m. for the campus community. Find out more about the resources and initiatives of the Women’s Center and enjoy the quilt exhibit called, “Not My Grandmother’s Quilts,” created by current and past OSU faculty, staff and students.

The Linn Benton Employers Partnership for Diversity is pleased to announce its 2009-10 workshop series, which kicks off today with a workshop on retaining a diverse workforce. The workshop will be held at the Corvallis Benton County Public Library’s public meeting room from 3 to 5 p.m. The Linn-Benton Employers Partnership for Diversity is a consortium of local employers who are dedicated to celebrating diversity in our communities and providing opportunities for employers to learn more about how they can support differences in the workplace. Because OSU is a partner, all faculty, staff and student employees may attend the workshops free of charge. To register or request accommodation: katrina.HOPKINS@Co.Benton.OR.US Information: diane.davis@oregonstate.edu

Three panelists who go by the title, “Interfaith Amigos,” will address the prospects for success of Pres. Obama’s new beginning initiative from Christian, Islamic, Jewish and interfaith perspectives. The “Interfaith Amigos,” Rabbi Ted Falcon, Pastor Don MacKenzie, and Shaikh Jamal Rahman, will hold a panel discussion beginning at 7 p.m. at Oregon State University. The free public event will be held at Gilfillan Auditorium, 2601 S.W. Orchard Ave. The event is part of the Hundere Endowment in Religion and Culture lecture series at Oregon State.

Upcoming Events

This week

Provost Sabah Randhawa invites OSU students, staff, and faculty to the Heckart Lodge/INTO OSU Center open house on Oct. 9, from 5 to 6 p.m. The INTO OSU Center recently moved into the newly remodeled Heckart Lodge. Dozens of our colleagues have worked over the past year to build the INTO OSU program and to create welcoming offices and classrooms in Heckart. If you have questions regarding this event, please email Gigi at gigi.bruce@oregonstate.edu.

Law enforcement officials, volunteers, businesses and individuals who participated in the search for Brigham Young University student Brooke Wilberger will be recognized at an appreciation ceremony on Oct. 11 at OSU. The event, “Brooke Wilberger: What She Means to our Community,” will begin at 7 p.m. in LaSells Stewart Center (26th Street and Western Boulevard in Corvallis).

Transit & Parking Services’ permit sales are on-going. Student lots are open, no permit required, through Oct, 9. For faculty/staff, Oct. 9 is the last day for processing permit payments by payroll deduction. The forms must be received by the TAPS office by noon on Thursday, Oct. 8. Contact the TAPS office at 541-737-2583 if there are any questions.

Next week

NEW! The Austin Entrepreneurship Program presents, “Building Your Business Plan Series.” On Oct. 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Bill Witt of Witt Consulting will speak on “An Introduction to Entrepreneurship,” in Kelley Engineering Center 1003. All students are welcome.

Please join Media Services to wish Herb Vloedman farewell and good luck on his new endeavors, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Oct. 13, Valley Library third floor. As Associate Director of Central Web Services, Herb guided the develop of web resources from early stages to the full enterprise infrastructure provided by CWS today. Herb’s leadership and expertise was critical to this transition at OSU.

World-renowned nature photographer Flip Nicklin, a contributor to National Geographic magazine for over 30 years, is returning to Newport, Oregon to teach a three-day digital photography workshop. Sponsored by the OSU Marine Mammal Institute, the workshop will teach the elements of a good photo story. The workshop will be held Oct. 23-25 at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, and still has several openings. For information about the workshop and to register, please visit the website: http://mmi.oregonstate.edu/digital-photography-workshop-flip-nicklin or contact Sheri Woods, (541) 867-0133, or email sheri.woods@oregonstate.edu. The fee for this 3-day workshop is $250. Class size will be limited to 24 participants.

Vandana Shiva, a physicist, feminist, philosopher of science, writer, and science policy advocate, will speak at OSU on Oct. 23, in LaSells Stewart Center. Shiva’s speech, which begins at 7 p.m., is in conjunction with OSU’s symposium, “Earth Democracy: Women, Justice, and Ecology.” It explores the intersection of environmental justice and women’s lives. Her presentation and all symposium sessions are free and open to the public. Symposium sessions happen from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the same day. The full schedule for the conference can be found at: http://springcreek.oregonstate.edu For more information, contact Charles Goodrich, program director for the Spring Creek Project, Charles.Goodrich@oregonstate.edu, 541-737-6198.

Fall term Beaver Strides registration is happening NOW! Come join us for the Beaver Strides Kick-off Party on Oct. 16, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Plageman Hall, Student Health Center, Room 322. Beaver Strides registrants will receive their pedometers and tracking booklets. There’s a chance to win prizes, plus healthy snacks will be provided by First Alternative Co-op. Register for Beaver Strides today at the Student Health Services desk at Dixon Rec, and join us for the fun!

An OWN open house, sponsored by OSU Women’s Network (OWN) and International Student & Faculty Services (ISFS), will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 21 in 448 Snell Hall. This is a chance to network and discuss ways in which OWN can support the unique professional/personal needs and concerns of the international women of OSU. Bring your lunch, coffee, tea, and dessert provided.

“My Name is Rachel Corrie,” a play detailing the experience of a student from Washington’s Evergreen State College who was killed in Gaza working for Palestinian human rights, will show at Oregon State University Oct. 21-24 at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Oct. 25.

Art Of Imagination” starring Las Vegas illusionist Garry Carson is coming to Corvallis Oct. 29, 7 p.m. at the LaSells Stewart Center. See exotic animals, comedy magic, and grand illusions. Tickets are $20 until Oct. 22 then $25. All proceeds benefit all Corvallis public schools’ “Student Opportunity for Success Fund”. Tickets available at GraceWinds Music, All About Kids, Frogs & Pollywogs, all Corvallis Public schools and at www.cpsfoundation.org. For VIP tickets or for tickets on Free and Reduced lunch program call 541-757-5857

Oregon State University Theatre will be one of 100 theaters in the world to premiere “The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later,” an epilogue to the highly acclaimed play, “The Laramie Project,” which is one of the most performed plays in America of the last decade. The premiere will take place on Oct. 12, at OSU’s Withycombe Hall main stage beginning at 7:30 p.m. The reading is free and open to the public.

News for Employees

NEW! SHS OUT OF SEASONAL FLU VACCINE: As of Oct. 6, Student Health Services (SHS) has exhausted its supply of seasonal flu vaccine and FluMist nasal vaccine. Therefore, no more seasonal flu shot clinics are currently scheduled for the OSU campus. SHS may receive additional doses of seasonal flu vaccine. If so, the campus community will be notified of its availability. For those faculty and staff covered by the PEBB health insurance plan, there are PEBB-sponsored seasonal flu shot clinics being held at various locations in Corvallis and Albany the rest of this month. For dates, times and locations, go to http://pebb.das.state.or.us/DAS/PEBB/flushots.shtml.

NEW! H1N1 VACCINE UPDATE: Student Health Services is still awaiting word on when the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine will be delivered, and how much will be received. When H1N1 vaccine is available, SHS will inform the campus of plans to administer it. For more information, go to http://studenthealth.oregonstate.edu/swineflu.

NEW! The Research Office is now accepting applications for the Faculty Release Time (FRT) program for release for Spring term 2010. Applications are due in the Research Office by Nov. 16. The complete program description, application materials and proposal criteria can be accessed at the Research Office website: http://oregonstate.edu/research/incentive/frt.htm If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Delmore at 541-737-8390 or debbie.delmore@oregonstate.edu

NEW! The Association of Office Professionals is holding a drawing to give away two tickets to this year’s homecoming game with UCLA on Oct. 31. $2/ticket or 3 for $5. Proceeds to benefit the ASOSU Human Services Resource Center. The HSRC provides programs, education and referral services to students on Oregon State University campus affected by hunger or poverty. Please help us with this very important cause. The drawing will be held at the AOP luncheon on Oct. 20. You need not be present to win. Contact Terri Cook 541-737-9189 or Vickie Nunnemaker 541-737-6268 for more information or to purchase tickets.

NEW! Training Days 2009: Are you confused about how OSU “works”? Here’s your opportunity to learn about the business of doing business at Oregon State University. Over 30 Workshops, Development, and Training Sessions are offered including: Conquering Risks, Preparing yourself for Change, TouchNet Deposits, Outlook Training, PERS Sessions, Where’s my Mail?(Campus Mail and Postal Concerns), Professional Acrobat (Software) Tips, “PaCS Feud”, and more! It takes place Nov. 11-12 at LaSells Stewart Center. Admission is free and there will be door prizes and desert tasting. Register on line at: http://businessservices.oregonstate.edu/trainingdays/

NEW! The Research Office is now accepting proposals for the General Research Fund (GRF) Fall 2009 solicitation. Proposals are due in the Research Office by Oct. 16. Please note: Proposals must be submitted electronically. Complete program description, application materials and proposal criteria may be accessed at: http://oregonstate.edu/research/incentive/grf.htm If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Delmore at 541-737-8390 or debbie.delmore@oregonstate.edu

PEBB Open Enrollment for the Plan Year 2010 is mandatory for selecting a 2010 medical plan OR to continue to Opt-Out of the medical plans. If you do not re-enroll or opt-out of a 2010 medical plan during October, PEBB will move you to the Employee-ONLY tier of the Statewide Plan and your dependents will lose medical coverage effective Jan. 1, 2010. Open Enrollment is also the time of year you can make changes to your benefit elections. For more information regarding Open Enrollment, please visit the OHR website at: http://oregonstate.edu/admin/hr/2010openenrollment.html

Training and Professional Development has scheduled several courses this term for OSU faculty and staff entitled, “Being Effective in Times of Uncertainty,” “Difficult Conversations,” “Stretch Goals-Taking Performance to the Next Level,” “Handling and Turning Around Employee Complaints,” and “A Brick of a Gift? – Giving and Receiving Feedback.” These workshops are presented as a service to employees and offered at no-cost. For course details and to register online, visit http://oregonstate.edu/training and log in (ONID username and password required).

The Graduate School announces a call for nominations under the Delson Bridge to the Future Fund. This fund is designed to assist students in the final phase of their graduate education to pay research expenses, publication costs, and other incidentals that stand in the way of completing their studies. Deadline: Oct. 21. For complete details see: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/grad_school/current/delsonbridge.html

The Graduate School is currently accepting applications under the Jesse M. Bell Memorial Graduate Student Loan Program. These non-need-based loans are available on a one-time basis to enrolled graduate students to assist with educational and/or research expenses associated with their advanced degree. Loans up to $5,000 may be requested. Deadline: Oct. 28. See Graduate School web for details: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/grad_school/current/jessebell.html

The Research Office is accepting applications for the Undergraduate Research, Innovation, Scholarship and Creativity (URISC) for the academic year 2009-10 (Winter and/or Spring Terms). Applications are due in the Research Office by Nov. 2. The complete program description and application may be accessed on the Research Office web site at: http://oregonstate.edu/research/incentive/urisc.htm For more information contact Debbie Delmore at debbie.delmore@oregonstate.edu 541-737-8390.

Jobs

Grants and Contracts Technician: Department of Crop and Soil Science, College of Agricultural Sciences. Full time position. This is an Internal search — open to regular OSU employees only. To review posting and apply, go to http://oregonstate.edu/jobs posting number 0004821. Closing date is Oct. 23. Contact Itsue Pfund at 541-737-2363 for more information.

The Arts & Sciences Business Center is recruiting for one full-time Accounting Technician Position, $2138-$2960 + benefits. To review posting and apply, go to http://oregonstate.edu/jobs posting number 000480. Closing date is Oct. 18.

Facilities Services is seeking a Management Analyst 1. This is a half-time position, reporting to the Senior Planner of Facilities Services. Recruitment is open to current OSU employees only. Position details and qualifications can be found at http://oregonstate.edu/jobs, posting # 0004808. Position closes Oct. 16.

Traffic and Maintenance

Strand Ag: Due to installation of new steam meters on the steam distribution system, all steam services to the above listed building will be temporarily shutdown. This will affect all hot water and heating services throughout the building. The shutdown will begin 10 a.m. today should end by 4:30 p.m.

Weniger Hall: Due to construction related to the Weniger Hall second floor renovation project, extreme noise is to be expected during this process. This work is necessary to drill anchors into concrete originating in Room 210. This work will begin immediately and should end by 5 p.m. Oct. 30.

Oak Creek Building: Due to necessary repairs on the building water system, all domestic hot water services to the Oak Creek Bldg. will be temporarily shutdown. This will affect all sinks on all floors. The shutdown should end by 5 p.m. Oct. 9.

Weather

Every Oregon season holds its own mystery, but Autumn is the quirkiest. Spotty fog on campus this morning meant some buildings were bathed in sunshine and topped with blue skies, while across the street others were enveloped in mist. Today’s high will reach 66, and clouds will start rolling in toniht with a low of 41. Tomorrow will be mostly cloudy and 65.